Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-06-25
A DISAPPOINTED BRIDE.


Monday last Walter Wade, bold,
dashing stock and provision specu-
lator, came from California to full
fill promises of marriage with Miss
Fanny Eckert, which was to take
place at noon on Thursday.
The most elaborate preparations
has been made, and the relatives and
friends of the young Lady waited
with every emotion of pleasure for
the happy event, but waited in vain.
Wade's recent i'll luck IN the
speculative field drove him to des-
pair, and, rather than face the dis
appointment which would inevitably
follow, he attempted suicide on
Wednesday and now lies hopelessly
insane at the home of his parents,
some distance from this place.
Walter is the only son of j. Wer-
ner Wade, who soon after his mar
riage fell heir to large fortune.
After the young man had completed
his collegiate studies and graduated
with high honors, he decided to
take trip to California before set
thing down, and so informed his
parents. They entreated him to
remain at home, but all to no pur-
pose. Appealing to his father he
said: Loan me one thousand dol
lars, and | will return it with inter
est" His father Immediately filled
out check for the amount and
handed it to him.
The next day after spending an
hour with his intended bride Wade
started for California in persuit of
fame and fortune Four-years after
ward his family and friends were
surprised to see him arrive home.
He entered his fathers house as
though his absence had but day,
drew up chair to where his father
sat. and taking from well filled
pocketbook 81 ,240 he handed the
money to his father, saying, "Here
is the borrowed money with six per
cent interest,"
This was so rapidly done that Mr..
Wade had hardly time to realize
who it was and what it meant. AS
he related to his parents, he had
met with phenomenal success, and
by shrewd and conservative specu-
lation had amassed over one million
dollars. After few days. stay,
during which time he renewed his
pledges of love to Miss Eckert, who
in the four years of waiting never
doubted his sincerity, he departed
again. Letter after letter was re
ceived by her, in which he boosted
of his continued success, and said
that he was now perfe citing arrange
ments to come to home to remain.
The wedding was therefore fixed for
June 16. But his character was
too week to resist the social tempta-
tions that now beset him.
An irresistible fondness for wine
and champagne suppers took pos
session of Wade, which was soon
followed by every form of reckless
dissipation. Then luck turned
against him, and he began to lose
money until his fortune was nearly
swept away. Depressed in spirits,
the dashing speculator returned
home. His general appearance was
detected, but by the aid of stimu
liant he managed to assume his old
time spirits. In this way the sus-
picion that might otherwise have
been excited was overcome.
On Wednesday afternoon Wade
remarked to his father that he de.
sired to write some business letters,
and for that purpose he retired to
his room, giving instructions that
his privacy be not intruded upon.
Everything in the way Of prepare
ton for the wedding next day had
reached q point Of completeness,
and at p. m. friend of the groom
called to see him As the matter
was urged, his father went up stairs
and called him. To his horror, he
beheld his son Suspended from q
halter strap, and placed the body on
the bed, and then quickly summon
ed physician. The doctor said
that another minute would have
produced death, and that, while he
might possibly survive, he would
be hopelessly insane.
The business letters which he was
supposed to be writing were to Miss
Eckert and his parents. They told
OF his dissipation and his losses at
gambling and of his complete ruin.
He says in his letter to the young
lady.
"For many months I had con-
slant run of i'll luck. The ardor of